Recently, BCCI secretary and ACC president Jay Shah issued a statement, clarifying that concerns about security and finances deterred multiple teams, including broadcasters and stakeholders, from hosting the entire Asia Cup 2023 in Pakistan. Consequently, Sri Lanka was granted the privilege of hosting the majority of the matches. However, this decision has been surrounded by controversy, with rainfall affecting the Sri Lanka leg of the tournament.
In response, former and current PCB chairmen Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf criticized Shah, with the latter even calling for financial compensation due to low attendance in Sri Lanka. And, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi joined the list of those criticizing Shah. He pointed out that Pakistan has hosted numerous international teams in the past six years, suggesting that Shah’s remarks are exaggerated and lacking clarity.
Afridi also extended his greetings and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to host the Indian team in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
“Have no doubts Mr Shah, Pakistan is ready to host BCCI at the ICC ChampionsTrophy2025,” Afridi mentioned. “I came across @JayShah’s statement about security situation in Pakistan. Just to refresh his memory, Pakistan has hosted the following foreign players/teams in the past six years:
2017 – ICC World XI & SL
2018 – WI 2019 – WI (W), BD (W) & SL
2020 – BD, PSL, MCC & Zim
2021 – WI, PSL, SA & WI
2022 – Aus, PSL, WI, BD U19, Ireland (W) & Eng (2),
2023 – NZ (2), PSL, Women’s Exhibition Matches, #AsiaCup2023 (Nep, SL, Afg & BD) & SA (W)
Have no doubts Mr. Shah, Pakistan is ready to host @BCCI at the #ICCChampionsTrophy2025,” Afridi tweeted.
I came across Mr @JayShah’s statement about security situation in Pakistan. Just to refresh his memory, Pakistan has hosted the following foreign players/teams in the past six years:
2017 – ICC World XI & SL
2018 – WI
2019 – WI (W), BD (W) & SL
2020 – BD, PSL, MCC & Zim
2021 –…— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 6, 2023
Pakistan and India are scheduled to compete on September 10
The tension is building as Pakistan is set to host India in Colombo on September 10 after a rain-induced cancellation of their league game. Both teams are eager to secure a win. India is anticipating KL Rahul’s return to the playing XI, while Pakistan is keeping an eye on Fakhar Zaman’s form. Rain might once more influence the match, making the toss crucial.
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